What Is Experiential Learning In Education?
“Experiential is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values” (Association for Experiential Education, para.2).
Experiential learning is also referred to as learning through action, learning by doing, learning through experience, and learning through discovery and exploration, all which are clearly defined by these well-known maxims: I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. ~ Confucius, 450 BC Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I will learn.
~ Benjamin Franklin, 1750 There is an intimate and necessary relation between the process of actual experience and education. ~ John Dewey, 1938 In their book, Teaching for Experiential Learning, Wurdinger and Carlson (2010) found that most college faculty teach by lecturing because few of them learned how to teach otherwise.
Although good lecturing should be part of an educator’s teaching repertoire, faculty should also actively involve their students “in the learning process through discussion, group work, hands-on participation, and applying information outside the classroom” (p.2). This process defines experiential learning where students are involved in learning content in which they have a personal interest, need, or want.
Learning through experience is not a new concept for the college classroom. Notable educational psychologists such as John Dewey (1859-1952), Carl Rogers (1902-1987), and David Kolb (b.1939) have provided the groundwork of learning theories that focus on “learning through experience or “learning by doing.” Dewey popularized the concept of Experiential Education which focuses on problem solving and critical thinking rather than memorization and rote learning.
Rogers considered experiential learning “significant” as compared to what he called “meaningless” cognitive learning. Kolb also noted that concrete learning experiences are critical to meaningful learning and is well known for his Learning Style Inventory (LSI) which is widely used in many disciplines today to help identify preferred ways of learning.
A key element of experiential learning, therefore, is the student, and that learning takes place (the knowledge gained) as a result of being personally involved in this pedagogical approach. A key element of experiential learningis the student, and that learning takes place
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Contents
What is an example of experiential learning?
Learning by doing. This is the basis for the experiential learning theory. Experiential learning focuses on the idea that the best ways to learn things is by actually having experiences. Those experiences then stick out in your mind and help you retain information and remember facts.
For teachers, creating opportunities for students to have experiences based on the things they are learning about is key. Teachers can help create environments where students can learn and have experiences at the same time. If you’re a current teacher, or studying to become one, it’s important to get a degree that will give you qualifications and knowledge for your career, and help prepare you to be licensed.
Additionally, it’s key to understand how different students learn and understand how different learning theories impact education. Teachers who understand learning theories can better optimize their classroom and help more students learn in ways that work for them.
Being a successful teacher means focusing on how best to help students succeed. Learn more about the experiential learning theory and how teachers can use it to help their students. David Kolb is best known for his work on the experiential learning theory or ELT. Kolb published this model in 1984, getting his influence from other great theorists including John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget.
The experiential learning theory works in four stages—concrete learning, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. The first two stages of the cycle involve grasping an experience, the second two focus on transforming an experience.
Olb argues that effective learning is seen as the learner goes through the cycle, and that they can enter into the cycle at any time. Concrete learning is when a learner gets a new experience, or interprets a past experience in a new way. Reflective observation comes next, where the learner reflects on their experience personally.
They use the lens of their experience and understanding to reflect on what this experience means. Abstract conceptualization happens as the learner forms new ideas or adjusts their thinking based on the experience and their reflection about it. Active experimentation is where the learner applies the new ideas to the world around them, to see if there are any modifications to be made.
- This process can happen over a short period of time, or over a long span of time.
- Olb went on to explain that learners will have their own preferences for how they enter the cycle of experiential learning, and that these preferences boil down to a learning cycle.
- The experiential learning cycle rests on the idea that each person has a specific type of learning tendencies, and they are thus dominant in certain stages of experiential learning.
For example, some learners will be more dominant in concrete learning and reflective observation, while others will be dominant in abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. The four learning styles are: Diverging. The diverging learning style is full of learners who look at things with a unique perspective.
- They want to watch instead of do, and they also have a strong capacity to imagine.
- These learners usually prefer to work in groups, have broad interests in cultures and people, and more.
- They usually focus on concrete learning and reflective observation, wanting to observe and see the situation before diving in.
Assimilating. This learning style involves learners getting clear information. These learners prefer concepts and abstracts to people, and explore using analytic models. These learners focus on abstract conceptualization and reflective observation in the experiential learning style.
Converging. Converging learners solve problems. They apply what they’ve learned to practical issues, and prefer technical tasks. They are also known to experiment with new ideas, and their learning focuses on abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. Accommodating: These learners prefer practicality.
They enjoy new challenges and use intuition to help solve problems. These learners utilize concrete learning and active experimentation when they learn. There are many ways that experiential learning is used every day. Some examples include:
Going to the zoo to learn about animals through observation, instead of reading about them. Growing a garden to learn about photosynthesis instead of watching a movie about it. Hoping on a bicycle to try and learn to ride, instead of listening to your parent explain the concept
There are many benefits of experiential learning for teachers and students, including:
Opportunity to immediately apply knowledge. Experiential learning can allow students to immediately apply things they are learning to real-world experiences. This helps them retain the information better. Promotion of teamwork. Experiential learning often involves working in a team, so learning in this setting allows students to practice teamwork. Improved motivation. Students are more motivated and excited about learning in experiential settings. Experiments are exciting and fun for students, and they will be passionate about learning. Opportunity for reflection. Students using the experiential model are able to spend time reflecting about what they are experiencing and learning. This is valuable as they are able to better retain information when they can think about what’s happening to them. Real world practice. Students can greatly benefit from learning that helps them prepare for the real world. Experiential learning is focused on using real situations to help students learn, so they are then better prepared for their future.
It’s important for current and aspiring teachers to work to include experiential learning opportunities in their classroom. There are many ways teachers can work to include these learning activities in their class including:
Field trips Art projects Science experiments Mock cities and trials Role playing Reflection and journaling Internship opportunities Interactive classroom games
Students can greatly benefit from experiential learning inside their classroom. If you’re a teacher or studying to become one, this learning theory can help you connect with your students more effectively. Utilizing projects and experiences inside the classroom will help students learn more effectively and enjoy their learning experiences.
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What is experiential learning and why it is important?
Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing. By engaging students in hands-on experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Experiential learning opportunities exist in a variety of course- and non-course-based forms and may include community service, service-learning, undergraduate research, study abroad/away, and culminating experiences such as internships, student teaching, and capstone projects, to name a few.
A better understanding of course material A broader view of the world and an appreciation of community Insight into their own skills, interests, passions, and values Opportunities to collaborate with diverse organizations and people Positive professional practices and skill sets The gratification of assisting in meeting community needs Self-confidence and leadership skills
What is experiential learning called?
Experiential learning ( ExL ) is the process of learning through experience, and is more narrowly defined as “learning through reflection on doing”. Hands-on learning can be a form of experiential learning, but does not necessarily involve students reflecting on their product.
Experiential learning is distinct from rote or didactic learning, in which the learner plays a comparatively passive role. It is related to, but not synonymous with, other forms of active learning such as action learning, adventure learning, free-choice learning, cooperative learning, service-learning, and situated learning,
Experiential learning is often used synonymously with the term ” experiential education “, but while experiential education is a broader philosophy of education, experiential learning considers the individual learning process. As such, compared to experiential education, experiential learning is concerned with more concrete issues related to the learner and the learning context.
- The general concept of learning through experience is ancient.
- Around 350 BC, Aristotle wrote in the Nicomachean Ethics “for the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them”.
- But as an articulated educational approach, experiential learning is of much more recent vintage.
- Beginning in the 1970s, David A.
Kolb helped develop the modern theory of experiential learning, drawing heavily on the work of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget, Experiential learning has significant teaching advantages. Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline (1990), states that teaching is of utmost importance to motivate people.
Learning only has good effects when learners have the desire to absorb the knowledge. Therefore, experiential learning requires the showing of directions for learners. Experiential learning entails a hands-on approach to learning that moves away from just the teacher at the front of the room imparting and transferring their knowledge to students.
It makes learning an experience that moves beyond the classroom and strives to bring a more involved way of learning.
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What is the role of teacher in experiential learning?
Experiential learning The teacher’s primary role in experiential learning is to create suitable learning experiences and facilitate the learning process, rather than direct instruction. Kolb’s experiential learning cycle is comprised of four major modes of learning:
Concrete experience : the learner has a hands-on experience connected to the learning outcome. Reflective observation : the learner reflects and reviews the experience from a range of different perspectives. Abstract conceptualisation : the learner analyses and connects the experience to previous learning and develops new ideas about the content being taught. Active experimentation : the learner acts on their new ideas by experimenting in an experiential setting.
All four learning modes must be addressed for learning to be most effective. As new ideas are put into action, a new cycle of experiential learning begins.
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What are the objectives of experiential learning?
About Experiential Learning Experiential learning, according to the Association of Experiential Education, is a philosophy that informs many methodologies in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values and develop people’s capacity to contribute to their communities.
Authenticity: Students understand their motivations for taking a course and learning the content. They can articulate connections among their learning experiences. The course provides a meaningful experience within the context of the student’s goals and outlook.
Relevancy: Students understand the content as relevant to their own lives. Assessment is formative — it is used to support the learning process and guide changes to teaching strategies. Connecting Experience to Future Opportunity: Every experience a student has had up to this point influences how they learn in this current moment. Students develop reflective skills that enable them to translate their learning into future opportunities. Active Learning: Students are fully engaged (mentally, physically, emotionally) in the active process of learning. Instead of passively receiving content, students are co-constructing knowledge with their teacher and peers. They are actively testing, thinking, challenging, hypothesizing, interpreting and reflecting on the course material.
What is the impact of experiential learning on student learning?
The benefits of experiential learning for the children – The teachers know that students learn more quickly when they perform things practically and experience something. So, here are a few benefits that children receive from this process.
Self-confidence and leadership skills- Experiential learning brings self-confidence and leadership skills to the children. They perform tasks with their critical thinking skills. And execute them with their abilities. All this gives them a better understanding of the concepts and brings out self-confidence in them. Children become more creative- Teachers found experiential learning as one of the best ways to teach creative problem-solving. They let the students perform the tasks on their own that create multiple solutions to one problem. The students get more creative when they face more challenges in the process of problem-solving. The children get exposed to their uniqueness. The value of mistakes- In the process of experiential learning, the students start valuing their mistakes. They learn not to fear mistakes but try to receive something positive from them. Thus, the children learn from their mistakes and develop a better conceptual understanding. A better understanding of the course material- The teacher tries to teach each method with a thorough understanding. So, they opt for practical teaching that involves experimental methods. The children learn through real-life situations and by performing tasks. Thus, they create their own experiences and develop a better understanding of course material. And the children learn with fun. The guidance for the future- The learning process under experiential learning is also career-oriented. The students start developing their skills and passion by performing the tasks.
Now when it comes to choosing a school for your child that focuses on experiential learning, Siddharth International Public School, Dilshad Garden, can be a good option for your child. 
The school came into being in 2007. It is a senior secondary school recognized and affiliated with CBSE. The motto of the school is “Learn to Lead.” They provide a co-creating learning environment to the students with that they learn the essence of happiness, curiosity, leadership.
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What are the goals of Experiential Education for students?
3.6.1. What is experiential learning? – There are many different theorists in this area, such as John Dewey (1938) and more recently David Kolb (1984). Simon Fraser University defines experiential learning as: ” the strategic, active engagement of students in opportunities to learn through doing, and reflection on those activities, which empowers them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical endeavours in a multitude of settings inside and outside of the classroom.” There is a wide range of design models that aim to embed learning within real world contexts, including:
- laboratory, workshop or studio work;
- apprenticeship;
- problem-based learning;
- case-based learning;
- project-based learning;
- inquiry-based learning;
- cooperative (work- or community-based) learning.
The focus here is on some of the main ways in which experiential learning can be designed and delivered, with particular respect to the use of technology, and in ways that help develop the knowledge and skills needed in a digital age. (For a more detailed analysis of experiential learning, see Moon, 2004).
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How do children learn in experiential learning?
What is experiential education in early childhood? – While you may google to find the term “experiential education” in many contexts that are applicable to older kids – like those in high school – our focus will be on early childhood learners. Early childhood learners are a particular focus of experiential education, mainly because we can see through plain observation that their ‘style’ of learning is naturally not inclined to sit at a desk and listen for long periods of time.
- That takes maturity and practice to develop, and in some people, it’s always a difficulty.
- Children are natural-born ‘players.’ They learn through independent discovery.
- It doesn’t take much to prove this.
- One simply has to watch a toddler for about an hour to ‘get it.’ Will they eat their noodles and peas without playing with them? Not likely.
First, they must be squished. And rolled. And get water poured on them. And slushed around. And thrown on the ground. This is all part of learning, of course. So when toddlers get to daycare or preschool, some believe it’s just not innate for them to suddenly sit down, keep quiet, listen, absorb, then go home and say they’ve learned something.
- Instead, experiential education theorists emphasize the need for these young learners to acquire their knowledge by ‘doing.’ It can be thought of as a kinesthetic approach, in terms of learning styles.
- But it’s more than that.
- There are expected outcomes from experiential education and learning.
- These are shown in a pictorial 4-step model on this site,
And, this article describes the approach as being divided into 3 steps:
Planning stageDoing stage andReviewing stage
The article gives detailed examples of how these steps may be carried out. In essence, we can assume that the young child doesn’t just ‘do’ the learning activity and then call it “experiential education.” They need to first plan out the activity and hope to learn something from it before doing it.
Afterwards, they need a way to reflect or process in their mind what they have learned. The before and after require an educational facilitator, to help guide them. Journaling, charts, discussions – these can all work as the ‘before and after’ executions. Experiential education also assumes that students are creating their own learning to a degree.
They aren’t being told how to playfully learn. And they’re not necessarily given a set of instructions for the ‘doing’ part of the experience, as much as they are forming those steps with the educator in advance. They are simply guided and encouraged,
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What are the key concepts of experiential learning?
Exploring how individuals approach learning can assist leaders in comprehending the strategies needed to ensure that they, and their team members, continue to refine their skills and grow as professionals over time in the most efficient and effective manner.
To help leaders with this process, David A. Kolb developed the experiential learning concept, which has proven useful for leaders who are tasked with the critical responsibility of cultivating and maintaining a successful and constructive learning environment. Kolb’s experiential learning cycle concept divides the learning process into a cycle of four basic theoretical components: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
In an attempt to establish practical application of the model, Kolb connects each of these four concepts to particular learning preferences. Understanding how an individual’s preferred learning style fits into Kolb’s model can help leaders fine-tune approaches to education, training, and professional development.
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What are the characteristics of experiential learning?
Characteristics of Experiential Learning. engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values. Facilitated and guided practice, reflection and evaluation are all essential components of this transformative method of learning.
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What are the principles of experiential learning?
The principles are: reflection, critical analysis, and synthesis. be accountable for the results. learning process, the learner is actively engaged in posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curious, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative, and constructing meaning.
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What kind of theory is experiential learning?
Experiential Learning Theory – Theoretical Models for Teaching and Research Ali Asiri Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) emphasizes the importance of experience and its role in the learning process (Kolb, 1984). Moreover, it uses experience to describe its vital difference from cognitive learning theory, which focuses on cognition and behavioral learning theory.
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What are the 5 steps of the experiential learning model?
The Experiential Learning Model includes five steps: Experience, Share, Process, Generalize, and Apply.
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What are experiential exercises?
Experiential exercises provide an opportunity for a learner to experiment with new or ‘wrong’ behavior. The learner 11 provided with an opportunity to meter this new skill. There are a variety of approaches to do this –case analyses, report writing, experiments, role playing.
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What are the key concepts of experiential learning?
Exploring how individuals approach learning can assist leaders in comprehending the strategies needed to ensure that they, and their team members, continue to refine their skills and grow as professionals over time in the most efficient and effective manner.
- To help leaders with this process, David A.
- Olb developed the experiential learning concept, which has proven useful for leaders who are tasked with the critical responsibility of cultivating and maintaining a successful and constructive learning environment.
- Olb’s experiential learning cycle concept divides the learning process into a cycle of four basic theoretical components: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
In an attempt to establish practical application of the model, Kolb connects each of these four concepts to particular learning preferences. Understanding how an individual’s preferred learning style fits into Kolb’s model can help leaders fine-tune approaches to education, training, and professional development.
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What is experiential learning for children?
Experiential learning is a method of learning where children actively participate in the learning process. It makes lessons personal to children by including them in the instructing process. Classes become fun activities for children in this way.
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